Bakersfield First Assembly
David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 1 Samuel 17: 45-46 (NIV)
Luke 15:1-7 NIV 15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Psalm 23:4 NIV “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 NLT “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” Ephesians 6:12 NIV “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
REBUILD MY HOUSE! THE POWER OF FASTING “… rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the LORD. Haggai 1:8 NLT Fasting is abstinence from food or drink for a specific period of time while focusing on prayer and fellowship with God. FASTING IS WHEN YOU DENY NATURAL DESIRES FOR SPIRITUAL PURPOSES. TYPES OF FAST: - Partial Fast: Daniels Fast (Vegetables Only) - Liquid Fast: Water, juice, smoothies etc. - Full Fast: Water Only - Absolute Fast: No Food / No Water - Private Fast, or Corporate Fast Do not deprive each other [of marital rights], except perhaps by mutual consent for a time, so that you may devote yourselves [unhindered] to prayer, but come together again so that Satan will not tempt you [to sin] because of your lack of self-control. 1 Corinthians 7:5 AMP 1) FASTING POSITIONS YOU FOR VICTORY Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the Lord; and he proclaimed a period of fasting throughout Judah. 2 Chronicles 20:3 NASB (853 BC) 12 Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” 2 Chronicles 20:12 NASB 15 … ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15 NASB You will not even need to fight. Take your position; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory… Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you. 2 Chronicles 20:17 NLT Though they fast, I will not hear their cry; and though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them [because they are done as obligations, and not as acts of loving obedience]… Jeremiah 14:12 AMP “Say to all your people and your priests, ‘During these seventy years of exile, when you fasted and mourned in the summer and in early autumn, was it really for me that you were fasting? Zechariah 7:5 NLT “Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Shout aloud! Don’t be timid. Tell my people Israel of their sins! 2 Yet they act so pious! They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to learn all about me. They act like a righteous nation that would never abandon the laws of its God. They ask me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near me. 3 ‘We have fasted before you!’ they say. ‘Why aren’t you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don’t even notice it!’ “I will tell you why!” I respond. “It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers. 4 What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. 5 You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the Lord? Isaiah 58:1-5 NLT (711) 4 Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high. Isaiah 58:4 ESV “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Isaiah 58:6-7 ESV Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Isaiah 58:8 ESV 2) YOUR LIGHT SHALL BREAK FORTH 3) YOUR HEALING WILL SPRING FORTH SPEEDILY. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. 11 And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:9-11 ESV 4) WHEN YOU CALL, GOD WILL QUICKLY REPLY. “HERE I AM” 5) HE WILL GUIDE YOU. 6) RESTORE YOUR STRENGTH. 12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. Isaiah 58:9-12 ESV 12 Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes. Isaiah 58:6-12 NLT (711 BC prophet to Judah ) 7) FASTING BRINGS INSIGHT AND UNDERSTANDING So I gave my attention to the Lord God, to seek Him by prayer and pleading, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. Daniel 9:3 NASB 22 And he instructed me and talked with me and said, “Daniel, I have come now to give you insight with understanding. Daniel 9:22 NASB In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks. 3 I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed. Daniel 10:2-3 NASB In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks. 3 I did not eat any tasty [hamad] food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed. Daniel 10:2-3 NASB HEBREW WORD Hamad: desire, desirable, to greatly desire 10 Then behold, a hand touched me and shook me on my hands and knees. 11 And he said to me, “Daniel, you who are treasured, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand at your place, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. And he says to me: Daniel, man greatly desired, attend to the words that I am speaking to you, and stand on your station, for now I have been sent to you. And when he speaks with me this word, I have stood trembling. Daniel 10:11 Literal Standard Translation 8) WHEN YOU FAST DESIRABLE THINGS, YOU BECOME DESIRABLE TO GOD! Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. Daniel 10:12 NASB 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was standing in my way for twenty- one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. Daniel 10:13 NASB 13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way… Daniel 10:13 NLT 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NASB For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and Satan hindered us. 1 Thess. 2:18 NASB Now as soon as he spoke to me, I felt strengthened… Daniel 10:19 NASB 9) FASTING INCREASES ANGELIC ACTIVITY 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. Matthew 4:11 ESV Are not all the angels ministering spirits sent out [by God] to serve (accompany, protect) those who will inherit salvation? [Of course they are!] Hebrews 1:14 AMP 10) FASTING RESULTS IN EXPLOSIVE POWER Now Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He was hungry. Luke 4:1-2 NASB And so when the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. Luke 4:13 NASB And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding region. Luke 4:14 NASB 11) FASTING ENHANCES YOUR ABILITY TO HEAR Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers… 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13:1-3 ESV When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Acts 14:23 NASB 12) FASTING LEADS TO A REWARD 16 “Now whenever you fast, do not make a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they distort their faces so that they will be noticed by people when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 17 But as for you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by people but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18 NASB
A Portrait of The Bread He spread a cloud for a covering, And fire to give light in the night. 40 The people asked, and He brought quail, And satisfied them with the bread of heaven. 41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out; It ran in the dry places like a river. Psalms 105:39-41 (John 6:26-27) "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." John 6:27 "Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'” John 6:31 (NKJV) Because they did not believe in God, and did not trust in His salvation. 23 Yet He had commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven, 24 Had rained down manna on them to eat, and given them of the bread of heaven. 25 Men ate angels' food; He sent them food to the full. 26 He caused an east wind to blow in the heavens; and by His power He brought in the south wind. 27 He also rained meat on them like the dust, Feathered fowl like the sand of the seas; 28 And He let them fall in the midst of their camp, All around their dwellings. 29 So they ate and were well filled, For He gave them their own desire. Psalms 78:22-29 (NKJV) the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." 4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:3-4 Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 Matthew 7:9 2. ...if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? "When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?" They said to Him, "Twelve." 20 "Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?" And they said, "Seven." 21 So He said to them, "How is it you do not understand?" Mark 8:19-21 (NKJV) Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 2 Corinthians 9:10 (NKJV) He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." Matthew 15:26 (NKJV) Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Psalms 103:2-3 "This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. 51 "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." John 6:50-51 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
1. WE FINISH STRONG WHEN WE OVERCOME THE FEAR OF REJECTION! Timothy 1:7 “ For God has not given us a spirit of fear (fear is not God’s plan for your life!), but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (NKJV) I Peter 3:13-15 “And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake. You are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who ask you a reason for the hope that is in you…” II. WE FINISH STRONG WHEN WE REMAIN CONVINCED IN SPITE OF THE UNKNOWN SHOW II TIMOTHY 1:12 (NKJV) i. “For this reason, I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed in and am persuaded that he is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day.” Romans 8:38-39 “For I am persuaded that neither death or life, nor angels, nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come (the unknown), nor heights nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus”. Romans 8:31-32 asks us… “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He did not spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” 3- WE FINISH STRONG WHEN WE STAY CONNECTED TO “THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE” (JOHN 14:6) ""...Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:54b–57). 4-FINISHING STRONG BY LEAVING A GODLY LEGACY “…I THE LORD YOUR GOD, AM A JEALOUS GOD, VISITING THE INIQUITY OF THE FATHERS UPON THE CHILDREN TO THE THIRD AND FOURTH GENERATION OF THOSE WHO HATE ME, BUT SHOW MERCY TO THOUSANDS, TO THOSE WHO LOVE ME AND KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS” (EXODUS 20:5-6 NKJV) “CHRIST HAS REDEEMED US FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW, HAVING BECOME A CURSE FOR US (FOR IT IS WRITTEN, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE”, THAT THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM MIGHT COME UPON THE GENTILES IN CHRIST JESUS, THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT THROUGH FAITH.” Gal 3:13-14
“… rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the LORD. Haggai 1:8 NLT 13 Again and again the Lord had sent his prophets and seers to warn both Israel and Judah: “Turn from all your evil ways. Obey my commands and decrees…” 2 Kings 17:13 NLT 17 Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. Isaiah 1:17 NLT 18 “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. Isaiah 1:18 NLT …They have been led astray by the same lies that deceived their ancestors. Amos 2:4 NLT MERRIAM WEBSTERS Deception: the act of causing someone to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark... Isaiah 5:20 NLT “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.” Hebrews 2:1 NASB 3 God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. 4 Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor 1 Thess. 4:3-4 NLT 24 Therefore God gave them up to vile impurity in the lusts of their hearts, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged natural relations for that which is contrary to nature, 27 and likewise the men, too, abandoned natural relations with women and burned in their desire toward one another, males with males committing shameful acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. Romans 1:24-27 NASB The leaders of Israel are the head, and the lying prophets are the tail. 16 For the leaders of the people have misled them. They have led them down the path of destruction. Isaiah 9:16 NLT This is what the Lord says: “You false prophets are leading my people astray! Micah 3:5 NLT Your prophets have said so many foolish things, false to the core. They did not save you from exile by pointing out your sins. Instead, they painted false pictures, filling you with false hope. Lamentations 2:14 NLT “Stop seeing visions!” They tell the prophets, “Don’t tell us what is right. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies. Isaiah 30:10 NLT … “You must not see visions”; And to the prophets, “You must not prophesy the truth to us. Speak to us pleasant words, Prophesy illusions. Isaiah 30:10 NASB Suppose a prophet full of lies would say to you, “I’ll preach to you the joys of wine and alcohol!” That’s just the kind of prophet you would like! Micah 2:11 NLT 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 2 Timothy 4:2-4 NASB But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. Revelations 2:20 NASB “What sorrow awaits the leaders of my people—the shepherds of my sheep—for they have destroyed and scattered the very ones they were expected to care for,” says the Lord. 11 “Even the priests and prophets are ungodly, wicked men. I have seen their despicable acts right here in my own Temple,” says the Lord… 13 “I saw that the prophets of Samaria were terribly evil, for they prophesied in the name of Baal and led my people of Israel into sin. 14 But now I see that the prophets of Jerusalem are even worse! They commit adultery and love dishonesty. They encourage those who are doing evil so that no one turns away from their sins. These prophets are as wicked as the people of Sodom and Gomorrah once were.” Jeremiah 23:14 NLT 15 …it is because of Jerusalem’s prophets that wickedness has filled this land.” 16 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says to his people: “Do not listen to these prophets when they prophesy to you, filling you with futile hopes. They are making up everything they say. They do not speak for the Lord! 17 They keep saying to those who despise my word, ‘Don’t worry! The Lord says you will have peace!’ And to those who stubbornly follow their own desires, they say, ‘No harm will come your way!’ Jeremiah 23:15-17 NLT … not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. Romans 16:18 NASB 18 “Have any of these prophets been in the Lord’s presence to hear what he is really saying? Has even one of them cared enough to listen?... 22 If they had stood before me and listened to me, they would have spoken my words, and they would have turned my people from their evil ways and deeds. Jeremiah 23:18, 22 NLT 27 By telling these false dreams, they are trying to get my people to forget me, just as their ancestors did by worshiping the idols of Baal. Jeremiah 23:27 NLT Israel’s Downfall 1) Neglected the needy in their cities 2) Deception crept in 3) Tolerating false teachers 4) IDOLATRY 18 “Then I warned their children not to follow in their parents’ footsteps, defiling themselves with their idols. Ezekiel 20:18 NLT (591 BC) 23 For they also built for themselves pagan shrines and set up sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. 24 There were even male and female shrine prostitutes throughout the land. The people imitated the detestable practices of the pagan nations... 1 Kings 14:23-24 NLT 35 They have built pagan shrines to Baal in the valley of Ben-Hinnom, and there they sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech. I have never commanded such a horrible deed; it never even crossed my mind to command such a thing. What an incredible evil, causing Judah to sin so greatly! Jeremiah 32:35 NLT Their land is full of idols; the people worship things they have made with their own hands. Isaiah 2:8 NLT They defiled themselves by their evil deeds, and their love of idols was adultery in the Lord’s sight. Psalm 106:39 NLT Merriam-Webster: Idol: an object of extreme devotion 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 2 Cor. 10:4 ESV Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, Ephesians 1:3 ESV
ACTS 11 & 12 Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God. 2 But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers criticized him. 3 “You entered the home of Gentiles and even ate with them!” they said. 4 Then Peter told them exactly what had happened. Acts 11:1-4 NLT 7 And I heard a voice say, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.’ 8 “‘No, Lord,’ I replied. ‘I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure or unclean.’ 9 “But the voice from heaven spoke again: ‘Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.’ Acts 11:7 NLT Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God. 2 But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers criticized him. 3 “You entered the home of Gentiles and even ate with them!” they said. Acts 11:1-2 NLT Criticism: the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes. 11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. Galatians 2:11 NLT 12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision (Jewish Laws). 13 As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, I said to Peter in front of all the others, “Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions? 15 “You and I are Jews by birth, not ‘sinners’ like the Gentiles. 16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.” Galatians 2:11-16 NLT … our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— 16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction. 2 Peter 3:15-16 NLT I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all. 1 Cor. 14:18 NASB For the one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people, but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. 1 Corinthians 14:2 NASB 3 Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come. Jeremiah 33:3 NLT 19 Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. 20 However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. 21 The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord. Acts 11:19-21 NLT 22 When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing (Grace), he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Acts 11:22-23 NLT Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord. Acts 11:24 NLT 27 During this time some prophets traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.) 29 So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could. 30 This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem. Acts 11:27-30 NLT 12 About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. 2 He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword. 3 When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration.) 4 Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. 5 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. 6 The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. 7 Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered. 9 So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening. 10 They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him. 11 Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!” 12 When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer. 13 He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!” Acts 12:6-14 NLT Bible Trivia: A) Praise God! He is a miracle worker! B) He’s Faithful! C) You’re out of your mind! 15 “You’re out of your mind!” they said… Acts 12:15 NLT When she insisted, they decided, “It must be his angel.” Acts 12:15 NLT 16 Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. 17 He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers what happened,” he said. And then he went to another place. 18 At dawn there was a great commotion among the soldiers about what had happened to Peter. 19 Herod Agrippa ordered a thorough search for him. When he couldn’t be found, Herod interrogated the guards and sentenced them to death. Acts 12:16-19 NLT …When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them. 22 The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, “It’s the voice of a god, not of a man!” 23 Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died. Acts 12:21-23 NLT 24 Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers. Acts 12:24 NLT
FAMILY SUNDAY “Two people are better off than one for they can help each other succeed.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 Tob - good, pleasant, agreeable; a benefit or a welfare Genesis 1:4 “ And God saw that the light was good. Genesis 1:31 “And God looked over all that He had made, and he saw that it was very good.” Genesis 2:18 “Then the Lord said. ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
“… rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the LORD. Haggai 1:8 NLT
Job 42:7-17 (NIV) – [7] After the LORD had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. [8] So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. You have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.” [9] So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what the LORD told them; and the LORD accepted Job's prayer. [10] After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before. [11] All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the LORD had brought upon him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring. [12] The LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. [13] And he also had seven sons and three daughters. [14] The first daughter he named Jemimah, the second Keziah and the third Keren-Happuch. [15] Nowhere in all the land were there found women as beautiful as Job’s daughters, and their father granted them an inheritance along with their brothers. [16] After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. [17] And so he died, old and full of years. The Way of Redemption 1. Repentance Job 19:13-14 (NIV) – [13] “(God) has alienated my brothers from me; my acquaintances are completely estranged from me. [14] My kinsmen have gone away; my friends have forgotten me.” 2. Restitution Luke 19:8-9 (NIV) – [8] But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” [9] Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 3. Reconciliation 4. Restoration Job 2:9 (NIV) – [9] His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? CURSE God and die!” Job 2:4-5 (NIV) – [4] “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. [5] But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely CURSE you to your face.”
Acts 4:29-31 (NIV) – [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. [30] Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders THROUGH THE NAME OF YOUR HOLY SERVANT JESUS.” [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Stretch Our You Hand to Heal 1. We can ask for ANYTHING in the name of Jesus. 2. No other name brings salvation or healing but Jesus. 3. We can’t expect healing if we have not been with Jesus. 4. Miracles are not a competition. 5. You must know the person behind the name. Acts 19:13-16 (NIV) – [13] Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” [14] Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. [15] [One day] the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” [16] Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. Mark 14:51-52 (NIV) – [51] A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, [52] he fled naked, leaving his garment behind. 1 John 4:4 (NIV) – [4] You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV) – [9] Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 6. You must have a relationship with Jesus before you have a right to use His Name. Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV) – [21] “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ [23] Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” 7. What distinguishes a false prophet from a true one is obedience. Matthew 24:24 (NIV) – [24] For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. 8. True miracles make people believe; false miracles make people deceived. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 (NIV) – [9] The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, [10] and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
Stretch Out Your Hand to Heal Acts 4:29-31 (NIV) – [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. [30] Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders THROUGH THE NAME OF YOUR HOLY SERVANT JESUS.” [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. John 14:14 (NIV) – [14] You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. 1. We can ask for ANYTHING in the name of Jesus. Acts 4:12-13 (NIV) – [12] “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” [13] When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 2. No other name brings salvation or healing but Jesus. 3. We can’t expect healing if we have not been with Jesus. Mark 9:38-41 (NIV) – [38] “Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” [39] “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, [40] for whoever is not against us is for us. [41] I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward. 4. Miracles are not a competition. Acts 3:6-8 (NIV) – [6] Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” [7] Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. [8] He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. John 5:6 (AMP) – [6] When Jesus noticed him lying there [helpless], knowing that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, Do you want to become well? [Are you really in earnest about getting well?]
The Book of Job Job Answers God Job 40:1-5 (NIV) – [41] The LORD said to Job: [2] “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!” [3] Then Job answered the LORD: [4] “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. [5] I spoke once, but I have no answer — twice, but I will say no more.” Job 1:20-21 (NKJV) – [20] Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. [21] And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job 30:20-23 (NIV) – [20] “I cry out to you, O God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me. [21] You turn on me ruthlessly; with the might of your hand you attack me. [22] You snatch me up and drive me before the wind; you toss me about in the storm. [23] I know you will bring me down to death, to the place appointed for all the living.” 1. The longer God seems silent, the harder it is for us to trust Him. 2. When God speaks, we will be humbled. 3. When God speaks, we will be silenced. Matthew 22:41-46 (NIV) – [41] While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, [42] “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” “The son of David,” they replied. [43] He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says, [44] “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ [45] If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” [46] No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions. Proverbs 17:27-28 (TEV) – [27] Someone who is sure of himself does not talk all the time. People who stay calm have real insight. [28] After all, even a fool may be thought wise and intelligent if he stays quiet and keeps his mouth shut. James 1:19-20 (NIV) – [19] My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Job 40:6-8 (NIV) – [6] Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm: [7] “Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. [8] “Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? 4. We condemn God to justify ourselves. Job 40:9-14 (NIV) – [9] “Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like his? [10] Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty. [11] Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at every proud man and bring him low, [12] look at every proud man and humble him, crush the wicked where they stand. [13] Bury them all in the dust together; shroud their faces in the grave. [14] Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you.” Job 10:3 – (Job speaking to God) “Does it please you to oppress me, to spurn the work of your hands, while you smile on the schemes of the wicked?” Job 24:12 – (Job speaking of God) “The groans of the dying rise from the city, and the souls of the wounded cry out for help. But God charges no one with wrongdoing.” Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV) – [1] “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. [2] For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. [3] “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? [4] How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? [5] You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 5. It is not our place to question God’s judgments.
Acts 4:29-31 (NIV) – [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great BOLDNESS. [30] STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God BOLDLY. Stretch Out Your Hand to Heal 1. PRAYED UP “Prayer is not an escape from responsibility; it is our response to God’s ability. True prayer energizes us for service and battle.” (Wiersbe) 2. SHAKEN UP Luke 21:25-28 (NIV) – [25] “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. [26] Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. [27] At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. [28] When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 3. FILLED UP Acts 2:4 (NIV) – [4] All of them were FILLED with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 4:8 (NIV) – [8] Then Peter, FILLED with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!” Acts 9:17 (NIV) – [17] Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be FILLED with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 13:9 (NIV) – [9] Then Saul, who was also called Paul, FILLED with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, “You are a child of the devil!” “It is our privilege to claim repeated infillings to make good our leakage and evaporation.” (F. B. Meyer) Isaiah 44:3 (NIV) – [3] For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring and my blessing on your descendants. 4. SPEAK UP Acts 4:15-18 – [15] So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. [16] “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. [17] But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” [18] Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Acts 4:19-20 (NIV) – [19] But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. [20] For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
The Book of Job God Answers Job 38:1 (NIV) – [1] Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. 1. God often speaks to us out of the storms of life. Job 38:2 (NIV) – [2] “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Mark 11:27-33 (NIV) – [27] They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. [28] “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?” [29] Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. [30] John’s baptism — was it from heaven, or from men? Tell me!” [31] They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ [32] But if we say, ‘From men’…" (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.) [33] So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” 2. Our questioning God is often rooted in our unbelief and lack of trust. Romans 1:5 (NIV) – [5] Through him [Jesus Christ] and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 3. God isn’t just looking for obedience; He is looking for obedience that comes from faith. “Darken” means to withhold light from, to hide, to obscure, to confuse. “Counsel” means the plans, purposes, and wisdom of God. 4. When we use human reasoning to define God, we distort the truth, and we darken His counsel. 5. We don’t just need more information ABOUT God; we need a greater revelation OF God. Job 38:3 (NIV) – [3] Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 6. If we question God on our terms, then we’d better get ready to answer Him on His terms. Job 38:4 (NIV) – [4] “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 7. When God speaks, we realize how very little we really know.
Acts 4:29-31 (NIV) – [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great BOLDNESS. [30] STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God BOLDLY. 2023 Theme: Stretch Out Your Hand to Heal BOLDNESS (parrhesia [par-ray-SEE-ah]) means freedom of speech, plainness, openness, freedom in speaking; the absence of fear which accompanies freedom of speech. (Abbott-Smith Lexicon) 1. PRAYED UP “In the face of this recent persecution, the believers spontaneously joined in prayer to acknowledge God’s sovereign control. This appeal to the God of creation shows that God, who had power to create the universe, will have power over their enemies. Everything in heaven and earth is subject to God and his will.” (Life Application NT) “They did not ask for protection; they asked for power. They did not ask for fire from heaven to destroy the enemy but for power from heaven to preach the Word and heal the sick. Their great desire was for boldness in the face of opposition. The emphasis is on the hand of God at work in the life of the church, not the hand of man at work for God. Believing prayer releases God’s power and enables God’s hand to move.” (Wiersbe) 2. SHAKEN UP Isaiah 6:1-3 (NIV) – [1] In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. [2] Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. [3] And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” [4] At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. Matthew 27:50-55 (NIV) – [50] And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. [51] At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. [52] The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. [53] They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. [54] When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” Matthew 28:1-4 (NIV) – [1] After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. [2] There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. [3] His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. [4] The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. Acts 16:22-26 (NIV) – [22] The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. [23] After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. [24] Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. [25] About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. [26] Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. Hebrews 12:25-29 (NIV) – [25] See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? [26] At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” [27] The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. [28] Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, [29] for our “God is a consuming fire.” Luke 21:25-28 (NIV) – [25] “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. [26] Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. [27] At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. [28] When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 3. FILLED UP Acts 2:4 (NIV) – [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. “It is our privilege to claim repeated infillings to make good our leakage and evaporation.” (F. B. Meyer) 4. SPEAK UP Acts 4:15-18 – [15] So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. [16] “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. [17] But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” [18] Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Acts 4:19-20 (NIV) – [19] But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. [20] For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
The Book of Job “The Question of the Ages—Why?” Holding onto Hope 1. Hope distinguishes us from those who don’t know God. 2. Hope requires us to wait patiently. 3. Hope is future, faith is now. 4. Against all hope, true hope still believes. 5. Hope is the result of perseverance in the midst of suffering. “Hope” (tiqVAH) literally means a cord, a rope, a line; figuratively, it means hope, expectation, anticipation. (The Complete Word Study Dictionary) Psalms 62:5-6 (NIV) – [5] Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my HOPE comes from him. [6] He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Joshua 2:17-21 (NIV) – [17] The men said to her, “This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us [18] unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet CORD in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house. [19] If anyone goes outside your house into the street, his blood will be on his own head; we will not be responsible. As for anyone who is in the house with you, his blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on him. [20] But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.” [21] “Agreed,” she replied. “Let it be as you say.” So she sent them away and they departed. And she tied the scarlet CORD in the window. 6. Our hope is Jesus, our scarlet cord of salvation. Job 19:25-27 (NIV) – [25] I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. [26] And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; [27] I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! 7. Hope is found in knowing that our Redeemer lives and is coming again. Titus 2:11-14 (NIV) – [11] For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. [12] It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, [13] while we wait for the blessed HOPE—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, [14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
Luke 23:50-54 (NIV) – [50] Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, [51] who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. [52] Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. [53] Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. [54] It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. Luke 24:1-6 (NIV) – [1] On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. [2] They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, [3] but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. [4] While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. [5] In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? [6] He is not here; he has risen! Empty Cross + Empty Tomb = Full Life John 10:10 (NIV) – [10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Full (perissos) means overflow, beyond measure, superabundant in quantity or superior in quality, exceedingly abundantly above. (Strong’s) John 10:10 (MSG) – [10] A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. Matthew 14:20-21 (NIV) – [20] They all ate and were SATISFIED, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were LEFT OVER. 1. A life full of satisfaction Luke 6:45 (NIV) – [45] The good man brings good things out of the GOOD stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the OVERFLOW of his heart his mouth speaks. 2. A life full of goodness Romans 5:15 (NIV) – [15] But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the GRACE of the one man, Jesus Christ, OVERFLOW to the many! 3. A life full of grace Romans 15:13 (NIV) – [13] May the God of HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE as you trust in him, so that you may OVERFLOW with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit. 4. A life full of hope, joy, and peace 2 Corinthians 1:5 (NIV) – [5] For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our COMFORT OVERFLOWS. 5. A life full of comfort 2 Corinthians 3:8 (NIV) – [9] If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, HOW MUCH MORE glorious is the ministry that brings RIGHTEOUSNESS! 6. A life full of righteousness 2 Corinthians 4:15 (NIV) – [15] All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause THANKSGIVING to OVERFLOW to the glory of God. 7. A life full of thanksgiving 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) – [8] And God is able to make all GRACE ABOUND to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 8. A life full of grace Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV) – [12] I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have PLENTY. I have learned the secret of being CONTENT in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in PLENTY or in want. [13] I can do everything through him who gives me strength. 9. A life full of contentment 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NIV) – [12] May the Lord make your LOVE increase and OVERFLOW for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 10. A life full of love
Matthew 21:4-5 (NIV) – [4] This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: [5] “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” Zechariah 9:9 (NIV) – [9] Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 1. Jesus is king. Matthew 27:11 (NIV) – [11] Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. John 18:36 (NIV) – [36] Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” 2. Jesus is righteous. Righteous means just, lawful, straight; righteousness is exhibited only through conformity to standards set out in the word of God. (Theological Wordbook of the OT) Psalms 145:17 (NIV) – [17] The Lord is RIGHTEOUS in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. Genesis 6:9 (NIV) – [9] This is the account of Noah. Noah was a RIGHTEOUS man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. Psalms 146:7-8 (NIV) – [7] The Lord sets prisoners free, [8] the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the RIGHTEOUS. 3. Jesus brings salvation. Acts 4:12 (NIV) – [12] SALVATION is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be SAVED. 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (NIV) – [1] As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. [2] For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of SALVATION I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of SALVATION. Romans 10:9 (NIV) – [9] If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be SAVED. 4. Jesus is gentle. Gentle means lowly, humble, poor, distressed. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV) – [9] For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) – [28] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am GENTLE and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” “Meek. Humble. Gentle. Jesus is not trigger-happy. Not harsh, reactionary, easily exasperated. He is the most understanding person in the universe. The posture most natural to him is not a pointed finger but open arms.” (Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly) 5. Jesus has come. John 1:10-12 (NLT) – [10] [Jesus] came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. [11] He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. [12] But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 6. Jesus is coming. Acts 1:9-11 (NIV) – [9] After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. [10] They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. [11] “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NLT) – [13] And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. [14] For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. [15] We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. [16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. [17] Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. [18] So encourage each other with these words. “In the ancient Near East, rulers commonly rode donkeys if they came in peace but they rode horses into war. This verse gives one reason the Israelites should rejoice: the coming of the King. (Thomas Constable) Revelation 19:11-16 (NIV) – [11] I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. [12] His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. [13] He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. [14] The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. [15] Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. [16] On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. “The triumphal entry of Jesus riding into Jerusalem was predicted here more than 500 years before it happened. Just as this prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus came to earth, so the prophecies of his second coming are just as certain to come true. We are to be ready for his return, for he is coming!” (Life Application Bible)
Acts 4:29-31 (NIV) – [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great BOLDNESS. [30] STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God BOLDLY. 2023 Theme: Stretch Out Your Hand to Heal “The apostles prayed not for divine vengeance but that God would hear the threats that had been leveled against them. The believers did not pray that God would remove the threats, take away the possibility of persecution, or even protect them. Instead, they prayed that God would give the believers, his servants, great boldness in their preaching.” (Life Application NT) BOLDNESS (parrhesia) means freedom of speech, plainness, openness, freedom in speaking; the absence of fear which accompanies freedom of speech. (Abbott-Smith Lexicon) Acts 9:27-28 (NLT) – [27] Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached BOLDLY in the name of Jesus in Damascus. [28] So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching BOLDLY in the name of the Lord. 1. Boldness in Preaching Jeremiah 20:8-9 (NIV) – [8] Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the LORD has brought me insult and reproach all day long. [9] But if I say, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. Acts 14:3 (NLT) – [3] But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching BOLDLY about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders. 2. Boldness in Power Acts 18:24-26 (NLT) – [24] Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. [25] He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John’s baptism. [26] When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching BOLDLY in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately. 3. Boldness with Accuracy 2 Corinthians 3:12 (NIV) – [12] Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very BOLD. 4. Boldness in Hope Titus 2:11-13 (NIV) – [11] For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. [12] It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, [13] while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him— The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and strength, The Spirit of knowledge and of the [reverential and obedient] fear of the Lord. And He will delight in the fear of the Lord… Isaiah 11:2-3 AMP And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Heb 5:7 NLT …and was heard because of His godly fear, Heb. 5:7 NKJV Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you will not sin.” Exodus 20:20 NASB Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God at all. Psalm 36:1 NLT But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, Rom. 2:5 NASB 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thess. 5:9 NASB 26 Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. 27 There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies. 28 For anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us. 30 For we know the one who said, “I will take revenge. I will pay them back.” He also said, “The Lord will judge his own people.” 31 It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Heb. 10:26-31 NLT 20 … remember—those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen. Romans 11:20 NLT 21 For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t spare you either. 22 Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. Romans 11:21-22 NLT beloved, let’s cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Cor 7:1 NASB continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ]. Phil 2:12 AMP Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him … Heb. 12:28 NLT Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. Heb. 12:28 NLT 8 “Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him. 9 For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.” Psalm 33:8- 9 NLT 3 For the Lord is a great God And a great King above all gods, 4 In whose hand are the depths of the earth, The peaks of the mountains are also His. 5 The sea is His, for it was He who made it, And His hands formed the dry land. Psalm 95:3-5 NASB 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:20 NLT 2 “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?” 3 Then Job replied to the Lord, 4 “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers?... Job 40:2-4 NLT “I had heard of You [only] by the hearing of the ear, But now my [spiritual] eye sees You. Job 42:5 AMP …Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:20 NLT The heavens tell of the glory of God; And their expanse declares the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1 NASB “To whom then will you compare Me That I would be his equal?” says the Holy One. 26 Raise your eyes on high and SEE who has created these stars, The One who brings out their multitude by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, Not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:25-26 NASB 6 And I saw another angel flying in midheaven with an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation, tribe, language, and people; 7 and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth, and sea and springs of waters.” Rev. 14:6-7 NASB
Acts 4:29-31 (NIV) – [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. [30] STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Stretch Out Your Hand to Heal 1. God stretches out His hand to DELIVER. 2. God stretches out His hand in LOVE. 3. God stretches out His hand to GUIDE. “So many of people’s problems come from trying to control things outside of their control, and when they try, the lose control of themselves.” (Drs. Cloud and Townsend) 4. God stretches out His hand to SAVE. 5. God stretches out His hand to CREATE. 6. God stretches out His hand to AVENGE. 7. God stretches out His hand to DISCIPLINE. Matthew 14:29-32 (NKJV) – [29] So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. [30] But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” [31] And immediately Jesus STRETCHED OUT HIS HAND and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” [32] And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 8. God stretches out His hand against FEAR. Exodus 9:15-16 (NIV) – [15] For by now I could have STRETCHED OUT MY HAND and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth. [16] But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. 9. God stretches out His hand for a PURPOSE. Isaiah 14:26 (NIV) – [26] This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the HAND STRETCHED OUT over all nations. [27] For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? HIS HAND IS STRETCHED OUT, and who can turn it back? 10. God stretches out His hand with a PLAN. Mark 3:3-6 (NIV) – [3] Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” [4] Then Jesus asked [the Pharisees], “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. [5] He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. [6] Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. 11. God stretches out His hand to RESTORE. Restore (apokathistemi) [ap-ok-ath-is'-tay-mee] means to restore to a former condition of health; to put back in the original condition. “German theologian Jürgen Moltmann points out that miracles are not an interruption of the natural order but the restoration of the natural order. We are so used to a fallen world that sickness, disease, pain, and death seem natural. In fact, they are the interruption.” (Dane C. Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly) “The restoration of the crippled hand demonstrates the new, superior order of salvation which is present in the coming of Jesus, the dawn of the eschatological time of salvation which restores to the sabbath commandment its profound significance: restoration of human beings in their integrity as part of God's creation.” (Exegetical Dictionary of the NT)
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